US Bridges

SR1138 over Squirrel Creek

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.SR1193 · Structure no. 000000000110147

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1138 over Squirrel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1138 over Squirrel Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1138
CrossesSquirrel Creek
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1193
RouteState Highway 1138
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.06423, -81.9817
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2019)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1138 over Squirrel Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1138 over Squirrel Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does SR1138 over Squirrel Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1138 over Squirrel Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1138 over Squirrel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.